Managing and protecting freshwater and coastal resources is of vital importance for the Pacific region's health and wealth. However, many Pacific Islands are experiencing increasing pressures on water and wetland resources due to growing populations, infrastructure development, and climatic fluctuations.
In Oceania, the Water & Wetlands programme strives to address the underlying issues affecting water and wetland resources through the Mangrove Ecosystems for Climate Change Adaptation & Livelihoods (MESCAL) project. It also aims to improve livelihoods of rural communities in Fiji by increasing economic benefits from Fiji’s kai fishery by addressing food safety issues.
Through these efforts and more IUCN Oceania continues to seek a coordinated approach to meet the needs of both the people and environment of the Pacific.